Sony Alpha A57 Translucent Mirror Camera

Sony Alpha A57

DSLRs tend to have longer refresh cycles than oh, we don't know, phones with RAZR in the name, but every shooter must eventually go to heaven nonetheless. About a year and a half after introducing theAlpha A55 translucent mirror camera, Sony's putting that model out to pasture to make way for its replacement, the Alpha A57. This time around, Sony's bumped the ISO to 16000 and boosted the continuous shooting rate from 10 frames per second to 12. It's also rolling out some improvements to the 15-point autofocus system, including enhanced object-tracking and quick AF in Full HD movie mode. Like the A55 before it, the A57 packs a 16-megapixel APS HD CMOS sensor, though this guy records 1920 x 1080 video at 60p, 60i and 24p/25p. It also packs the relatively new Bionz imaging engine introduced with Sony's fall 2011 models. Also on board: effects like Auto Portrait Framing (it is what it sounds like) and Clear Image Zoom, which promises an effective two-fold increase in focal length. Design-wise, the A57 takes some cues from the A65, and sports a tilting, 921,600-dot LCD. It'll start at $699 for the body only when it goes on sale next month, though it will also be offered as a $799 kit with an 18-55mm lens. Until then, we've got official press shots below and the PR just past the break.

Sony Brings Pro-level Performance to Mainstream SLR Users with New High-Speed ?57 Camera Featuring Translucent Mirror Technology
Advanced Feature Set Includes 12 fps Shooting, Full HD (60p) Video Capture, New Auto Portrait Framing and more

A wider palette of creative options is now accessible to more shooters with the ?57 camera, the newest addition to Sony's popular line of A-mount cameras employing Translucent Mirror Technology.

The innovative Translucent Mirror design directs incoming light to the CMOS image sensor and the AF sensor at the same time, allowing full-time continuous AF during both still and video shooting. Users can also frame, focus and preview shots in real-time on the high-resolution Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder, which offers a wide viewing angle and 100% field of view. This allows photographers to capture exactly what they see on the screen.

A natural successor to Sony's acclaimed ?55 camera, the ?57 is positioned for a wide audience of DSLR users. It can shoot still images at up to 12 frames per second, capture full HD video at 60p, 60i or 24p frame rates and has a variety of creative modes including Auto Portrait Framing, a world's first technology

"Today's DSLR consumer is looking for a higher level of control and flexibility in their camera," said Mike Kahn, director of the Alpha camera business group for Sony Electronics. "With the introduction of the new ?57, we're bringing blazing fast response rates, enhanced artistic capabilities and other advanced features to the mainstream DSLR marketplace, offering professional-grade performance at affordable prices."

With the ?57 camera, shooting speeds of up to 12 frames per second are achieved in new Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE mode, maintaining continuous auto focus and auto exposure with fixed aperture. Magnifying the central portion of the sensor's image by 1.4x, it's perfect for capturing split-second action close-ups with a burst of sharply focused images, even when the subject is moving. In this shooting mode, aperture is fixed at either f/3.5 or the maximum aperture of lens in use (whichever is smaller) and image size of photos is about 8.4 megapixels.

Additionally, the ?57 camera lets people create powerfully expressive Full HD movies. Responsive full-time continuous phase detection AF ensures that moving subjects stay sharply focused, just like with still shooting. Support for the AVCHD™ Ver. 2.0 (Progressive) format means that Full HD resolution movies can be captured with 60p frame rate: ideal for capturing smooth, blur-free action. Shooting in 24p is also available to give footage a rich, cinematic look. Movie-making options are enhanced further with full control over P/A/S/M shooting modes for virtually limitless creative expression.

The ?57 model shares the ?65's 15-point AF system with three cross sensors delivering fast, accurate TTL phase detection autofocus. Newly enhanced Object Tracking AF keeps faces or other selected objects in sharp focus – even if a target is obscured momentarily by another passing object.

Even the novice photographers can now easily create pro-style portraits with the ?57 thanks to new Auto Portrait Framing, a world's first technology. Using face detection and the compositional 'rule of thirds,' the camera identifies a subject's position, trimming the scene to create tightly framed, professional-looking pictures in portrait or landscape orientation while maintaining a copy of the original image. Saving both the original photo plus the adjusted version allows for easy comparison between the two images, offering photographers inspiration to refine their portrait skills.

To get closer to the subject, 2x Clear Image Zoom digital zoom technology doubles the effective magnification of your lens and is a highly practical alternative to travelling with a bigger, bulkier telephoto lens. The camera uses Sony's "By Pixel Super Resolution Technology" to ensure that cropped and zoomed images retain full pixel resolution.

Additionally, the model's range of popular in-camera Picture Effect modes includes 11 different effects and 15 total variations – offering a generous palette of 'PC-free' artistic treatments, including Pop Color, HDR Painting, Miniature Mode and much more. Results can be previewed directly in live view mode on the LCD screen or in the new Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder while shooting either Full HD video or stills.

Still and video shooting, framing, focusing and real-time preview of exposure adjustments are a pleasure with the new Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder. With ultra-detailed 1440k dot resolution and a 100% field of view, it rivals quality optical viewfinders. There's a choice of selectable high-resolution information displays with a wide viewing-angle to help consumers shoot with confidence, including a digital level gauge and framing grid. Information can be displayed either directly in the viewfinder or on the angle-adjustable 7.5 cm (3.0-type) Xtra Fine LCD™ display.

Ensuring detail-packed images, the 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor® APS HD CMOS sensor is teamed with a latest-generation BIONZ® engine. Refined by Sony during the development of its flagship ?77 and high-end ?65 cameras, this powerful processor effortlessly handles large amounts of image data for flawless, low-noise images and Full HD video.

Thanks to the BIONZ processor, creative shooting opportunities are boosted by an outstanding sensitivity range of ISO 100-16,000. Users will experience consistently natural, low-noise images – whether shooting at fast shutter speeds to freeze dynamic action or handheld without flash in low light.

Pricing and Availability

The new ?57 interchangeable lens camera will be available this April with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens for $800 (model SLT-A57K). It will also be offered as body-only for about $700 (model SLT-A57).

Sony will also be introducing a new battery-powered LED video light, model HVL-LE1, which broadens options for recording video indoors or in low light. This new accessory will be available this month for about $250.

Source: Engadget

Camera: Pentax K-01 and Optio WG-2

Pentax K-01

Pentax has been teasing us with its trio of cameras for what seems like an eternity. It's been long enough that we've actually had playtime with the new mirrorless flagship, the K-01. That chunky retro body will turn some heads in the street, so any fashionistas can now pick it up. It'll be winging its way to stores at the same time as its extreme-living WG-2 and WG-2 GPS, which are perfect for recording your Bear Grylls routine. The former will set you back $750 for the body, or $900 with a 40mm kit lens, whilst the Optio WG-2 is $350 or $400 if you want one with built-in GPS.

Pentax Announces Availability of Marc Newson-Designed K-01 Digital Camera High-style feature-packed interchangeable lens camera in stores now

Denver, CO (March 12, 2012) – PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION announces the availability of the Marc Newson-designed PENTAX K-01 interchangeable lens camera (ILC). The new mirrorless PENTAX K-01 is now shipping to retailers in the U.S. The K-01, first announced last month, continues the tradition from a camera manufacturer that is known for pushing camera size, color, durability, and now, design, to the limit.

Featuring a contemporary yet classic style, the K-01 provides discriminating photographers with a full array of advanced functions and user-friendly features in a camera body with remarkable form and function. Available in black, white and Newson's signature yellow colors, the new K-01 features the designer's autograph logo stamp on the bottom of each camera.

"It's a great honor to have worked with world-renowned designer Marc Newson to bring the PENTAX K-01 to market," said John Carlson, Sr. Manager of Sales and Marketing, PENTAX. "The new K-01 is not only technically superb, it is a design object."

Internationally known for designing a wide range of furniture and household items such as bicycles, cars, aircraft and yachts, various Marc Newson collections have been on display in The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City as well as many other major museums.

The famed designer's touch also is evident in a new smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS interchangeable lens. As the world's thinnest interchangeable lens,* the new 40mm combines with the PENTAX K-01 camera body to deliver a unique mirrorless ILC system that is perfect for photographers who are as keen on design as they are on performance. Together, the K-01 and 40mm lens system mark the intersection where high technology and high design meet.

Key features of the PENTAX K-01 include:

• Durable machined aluminum frame under a stylish black, white, or yellow exterior.

• PENTAX mirrorless body design is compatible with 25+ million PENTAX K-mount lenses spanning decades.

• Large, newly-developed, 16 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS image sensor with low noise image capture and multiple aspect ratios.

• Bright, high resolution 3-inch LCD with 920,000 dots.

• Full HD 1080p video capture at 30 FPS with h.264 compression (60 FPS at 720p) features outstanding video capture flexibility.

• A new "PRIME M" imaging engine ensures first-rate movie recording performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera.

* The world's thinnest interchangeable lens for lens-interchangeable digital SLR cameras, as of February 1, 2012 (based on PENTAX's research).

• Sensor-shift PENTAX Shake and Dust Reduction system is compatible with every mounted PENTAX lens.

• Fast 6 FPS burst mode is ideal for fast-action photography.

• Flexible ISO range of 100-25600 ensures noise-free imaging in virtually any lighting condition.

• Focus peaking mode provides fast and accurate manual focusing for critical focus applications.

The K-01 is available for $749.95 USD (body only) and $899.95 USD (lens kit including new DA 40mm XS) in Marc Newson-designed packaging and with the Marc Newson-designed camera strap. The smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS unifocal interchangeable standard lens is available for $249.95 USD.

Source: Engadget

Sony Launches Cybershot DSC-TX55 World

Sony India further strengthened its leading Cyber-shot camera line-up with the launch of DSC-TX55, which is a just 12.2 mm thick (measurement excludes lens cover), making it even slimmer than a standard AA-size battery. This latest Cyber-shot model is the World thinnest camera in its class and offers incredible combination of features and performance with 16.2 megapixel, Full HD video, 5x Zoom and 3D capability.

DSC-TX55 also boasts of the highly acclaimed Exmor R? CMOS sensor that delivers incredible image detail and ultra-low picture noise in both still images and Full HD video even in low light conditions. The camera?s hi-speed auto focus can lock onto subject in as little as 0.1 seconds, letting users grab the most fleeting photo moments with ease.

The new DSC-TX55 camera makes it simple for users to easily achieve DSLR-like picture quality. Superior Auto mode recognizes a wide range of shooting situations, adjusting exposure and other settings for high-quality images with low noise and high dynamic range. Further, the camera?s back panel is dominated by a super-sized 3.3-inch (8.3cm) Xtra Fine? OLED wide touch-screen, perfect for showing off photos and movie clips with incredible detail.

The 3D Still Image feature captures dramatic 3D photos without the need for a large, bulky stereoscopic lens. With a single shutter press, the camera takes two shots consecutively, using the first image to estimate depth information to create a dramatic three-dimensional still image. Other 3D shooting options include 3D Sweep Panorama mode and Sweep Multi Angle.

Digital Camera: Samsung ST550 and ST500

A loud ‘phew’ resounds from the company of those self-adoring folks who surround me at the site of a digital camera that keeps your narcissism in mind. The Samsung ST550 and ST500 will have a 1.5 inch display screen in the front that helps users click their own snaps as well as display exposure information. Otherwise, both the cameras have 12 megapixel sensors and 3.5 inch display screens on them. Say “Cheese!”

The best part is that these cameras have a nice little animation to make sure that kids don’t refrain from staring at the camera and also give their brightest smiles to the lens. Both, the Samsung ST550 and ST500 are expected to be out in Singapore by the end of this month.

Altek crams a dozen megapixels of wishful thinking into T8680 cameraphone

There once was a time when a 12 megapixel cameraphone would have been laughed at, and, though many are still smirking (guilty), they're now a reality -- a reality that Altek wants desperately to be a part of with its T8680 handset. Its face looks rather like a PMP with a 3-inch WQVGA LCD, but on the back is the standard sort of 3x pop-out zoom that you'd expect on a compact shooter, sitting next to a tiny xenon flash. It'll capture unnecessarily high resolution images while being crippled to VGA video, play back MP3 and AAC files, and tune into the Weekly Top 40 over FM. Yes, it'll even make calls, but with only tri-band GSM/EDGE support don't expect to e-mail those gigantic pictures directly from the phone. The T8680 is expected to hit Chinese retailers in about a month for 3000 yuan (about $440), and probably won't be making much of an appearance elsewhere.

Fujifilm Korea to launch a digital camera 'FinePix J27' with panorama shooting

Fujifilm Korea(www.fujifilm.co.kr) announced the launch of its digital camera 'FinePix J27' boasting panorama shooting mode that makes it easy to create impressive panoramic photos. This mode captures and combines max 3 consecutive shots that are saved to the memory card as a single panoramic picture.

The FinePix J27 features 10.2 megapixels with 3x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD screen up to ISO 3200 and anti-blur mode(picture stabilization). Equipped with the 6 scene SR AUTO(Scene Recognition Auto) and Face Detection, scenes and faces can be captured and optimized even more with the detection functions.

Pentax preps budget, wide-angle Optio E60

Pentax tonight gave entry-level photographers an extra option through the 10.1-megapixel Optio E60. Its standout addition is a 32-96mm equivalent wide-angle lens that helps frame wide portrait shots, scenery, or other very horizontal subjects. Its beginner focus includes a fully automatic mode that changes all settings itself, though the camera adds face detection and ISO-based blur correction that also help more experienced owners.

The camera's simpler nature also surfaces in its 3X zoom factor and its use of AA batteries rather than a lithium-ion pack for power. Pentax will offer the E60 in just a single black color when it ships in October for $140.

Nikon D700 full-frame DSLR

It's easy enough to drool over the press shots of Nikon's luscious D700. Seeing someone unbox this full-frame beast on video is another experience entirely (bordering on spiritual, really). Unfortunately, the vid waiting after the break is just two minutes long and doesn't show any clicks being depressed, but those looking to get a better idea of the size and build have plenty of reason to click through.

Panasonic reveals DMC-FZ28 megazoom, DMC-LX3 and DMC-FX37

Shortly after Samsung unveiled its summer stable of cameras, along comes Panasonic with a new trio of its own. Kicking things off is the zoom-infatuated DMC-FZ28, which features a remarkable 18x optical zoom, 10.1-megapixel sensor, Intelligent Auto Mode, Auto Focus and a 27-millimeter wide-angle lens. Moving on, we see the DMC-LX2's rightful successor -- the unimaginatively named LX3 -- which lands in August alongside the aforementioned FZ28. Said shooter packs a 10.1-megapixel sensor, F2.0 24mm LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens and the ability to capture 720p movies at 24fps. Bringing up the rear is the pocket-friendly LUMIX DMC-FX37 (due in September), which touts a 25mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC lens, 10.1-megapixel sensor (are you sensing a trend?), a 5x optical zoom and 720p movie mode. Ready for the sting(s)? Try $449.99, $499.95 and $349.95 in order of mention.

Nikon D60

Product Summary

The good: Optically stabilized kit lens; convenient onscreen user interface; compatible with a wide variety of lenses and accessories.

The bad: Pricey for what it offers; lens-based image stabilization is less flexible than sensor-shift offered by some competitors.

The bottom line: Despite modest improvements in performance and a couple of new features, Nikon's D60 fails to impress and costs more than some competing models.

Specs: Resolution: 10.2 megapixels; Display type: 2.5 in

Manufacturer: Nikon

Part number: 25436

General

Product Type

Digital Cameras

Main Features

Resolution

10.2 megapixels

Sensor resolution

10.2 megapixels

Optical Sensor Type

CCD

Effective Sensor Resolution

10.2 megapixels

Still Image Format

JPEG, RAW

Memory / Storage

Image Storage

JPEG, RAW

Camera Flash

Type

Built-in

Flash Modes

Red-eye reduction

Red Eye Reduction

Yes

Display

Type

TFT active matrix - 2.5 in - Color

Mounting

Built-in

Connections

Expansion Slot(s)

1 x SD Memory Card

Software

Type

Drivers & Utilities

Price range: $619.00 - $749.99

Canon PowerShot SD790

Canon has the art of the compact digicam down to a science by now, and the PowerShot SD790 is no exception, according to PC Magazine. The new shooter nabbed the publication's Editors' Choice award for "superior image quality" that pulled it ahead of the likes of Panasonic's DMC-FX55 and Sony's DSC-T2. The SD790 includes a new physical scroll wheel that took a bit of getting used to, but turned out to be a quicker way to skim through menus. The camera includes a new motion-detection feature to automatically switch ISO and exposure to keep the images sharp, and it worked as advertised. Other automatic settings have been tweaked for better images, and the camera performs notably well in high ISO shots. The flash isn't super powerful, and the reviewer would've preferred a wider angle lens at this $350 pricepoint, but all-in-all there seems to be plenty to love about this latest Digital Elph.

Sony's 25 megapixel Alpha A900

We already spent some time grappling with Sony's monster full-frame Alpha A900 prototype at PMA, but the company's displaying an updated version at the Photo Imaging Expo in Japan, and reps are apparently now saying that the 24.6 megapixel DSLR will be launched during IFA in August or Photokina in September. Other than that, there's not much we didn't already know -- which means there's really not that much at all -- but there are some more shots of this nifty clear-bodied display unit at the read link for your ocular delight.